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Parabens are a class of chemicals used as preservatives in food, industrial products and personal care products, but most widely prevalent in cosmetics and personal care products. Nearly everyone is exposed to these compounds: the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tested more than 2,500 urine samples, and detected methyl paraben in 99 percent and propyl paraben in 93 percent.

We live in the age of plastic. Every year we make plastic stuff in amounts that equal the weight of the entire human population, and enough of it is thrown away to circle the Earth four times. More than five trillion plastic pieces, altogether weighing more than 250,000 tons, are floating at sea. We have polluted our oceans with plastic to the point where we have created five enormous accumulation zones, sometimes referred to as garbage patches.

The news last week that Campbell Soup Company will remove artificial colors and flavors from its product lineup is just the latest indication that big food companies are increasingly paying attention to what consumers want – more healthful foods.

A new study has found that vaginal douching by American women of childbearing age may increase their exposure to hormone-disrupting phthalates and contribute to racial and ethnic differences in exposure to the chemicals.

Our shocking new report uncovered four brands of crayons and two brands of kids’ crime scene kits that tested positive for deadly asbestos. What’s worse, these contaminated toys are being sold across the country with no warning!

By now most of us know to wear sunscreen at the beach or during other outdoor activities. But some people mistakenly think wearing sunscreen makes them immune from sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer.

In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration ruled that sunscreen companies were no longer allowed to assert that their products were “waterproof” or “sweatproof” because these claims exaggerated the effectiveness of the sunscreens, misleading consumers.

As a research intern at EWG, I’ve investigated sunscreens to learn more about how they work and the claims that companies make. I wondered why I’d been told to put sunscreen on a sunburn, even after I came inside. The answer isn’t soothing. Anti-inflammatory ingredients in sunscreen suppress redness, pain and inflammation, even after skin damage. In other words, the sunscreen makes burned skin feel better temporarily – but it’s still burned.

With all of the chemicals that get put into consumer products, it can be difficult to protect our children from toxic hazards. Knowing what to look for and what kids’ products contain harmful chemicals is the first step.